Technology and R&D

Researchers in Hong Kong have developed a hybrid-energy heat pump that seamlessly combines absorption and compression cycles using crystallization-free ionic liquids, improving efficiency and reliability across varying solar conditions. Simulations in multiple Chinese cities show the system can significantly cut electricity use and cooling costs, making it promising for sustainable building cooling and future commercial scaling.

SunWiz market data ranks the manufacturer as the top energy storage supplier in Australia, Ireland, and South Africa.

Researchers have studied the potential of combining photovoltaic systems with compressed air energy storage (CAES) to power a commercial building in South Africa. They found that a co-optimized system could lower total capital costs by 15–20% compared to traditional sequential sizing approaches.

Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) is developing the world’s first medium-voltage PV plants in Germany to cut material use, reduce costs, and simplify grid integration. They will test 1,500 V and 3 kV string configurations to create cost-effective, voltage-resistant components for large-scale solar.

Jackery continues to expand its product range beyond storage with a new 2 kW solar gazebo designed for creating outdoor space, starting with US availability in 2026.

TU Delft researchers have developed a liquid-based solar module encapsulation that performs on par with conventional EVA panels while offering improved recyclability and circularity. The approach is compatible with silicon and tandem perovskite/silicon cells and could support thermal management and integration into photovoltaic-thermal modules.

China’s PV module prices are expected to hover around $0.12/W in the second half of 2026 as the removal of export VAT rebates, front-loaded demand, and persistent oversupply keep market sentiment volatile.

Researchers in Spain developed a new model incorporating dynamic shading conditions in Madrid to evaluate the yield and test control algorithms for vehicle-integrated PV (VIPV) systems.

A more than 15% increase in silver prices over the past week is adding cost pressure to the solar supply chain, as silver paste costs currently represent around 30% of total PV module costs.

Solar Energy Expo 2026, Poland’s flagship PV-plus-storage trade fair, returned this month with a small show-floor footprint but a sharp focus on flexibility and market reform, as well as the storage, inverter and grid-forming technologies shaping the nation’s next phase of grid integration.